The Punjab School Education Department has strictly prohibited children from using cell phones in any of the province's public or private schools.

The instruction stresses rigorous compliance and calls for quick enforcement by district education authorities.

With an emphasis on personality development programs, schools have been told to promote students' involvement in extracurricular and academic activities.

The announcement comes after MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain's resolution was recently approved by the Punjab Assembly with a majority vote. Authorities anticipate that the prohibition will encourage concentrated learning and reduce mobile device distractions.

Separately, because of increasing pollution levels, Punjab's environmental authorities have modified school schedules. Schools won't open before 8:45 a.m., and there could be fines of five to ten lakh rupees for breaking this rule.

With an AQI of 346, Lahore's air quality has lately risen to dangerous levels, making it the world's second most polluted city behind New Delhi. Health professionals have advised locals to wear masks and avoid going outside too much.

Punjab's winter break runs from December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026; classes resume on January 13.

Authorities have stressed that no decision has been made to close schools early because of smog, despite speculations to the contrary.